Dane County approves 18-month pause on data centers
Dane County in Wisconsin has approved an 18-month pause on zoning permits for large artificial intelligence data center projects. This moratorium, which defines large as facilities using at least 5,000 servers and occupying 10,000 square feet, allows the county to study the environmental, economic, health, and safety implications of these developments. Neighboring Manitowoc County has a similar ban, and the city of Madison also approved a one-year ban.
Dane County, Wisconsin, has enacted an 18-month moratorium on new hyperscale data center projects, halting all zoning permits for facilities with at least 5,000 servers and 10,000 square feet of floor space. The county board approved the pause following a review by its Zoning and Land Regulation Committee. County Board Chairman Patrick Miles stated that the delay is a "responsible step" to protect communities and allow for a comprehensive study into the environmental, economic, health, and safety impacts of such developments. Smaller data center infrastructure is not affected by the ban.
This decision aligns with actions taken by other local jurisdictions in Wisconsin; Manitowoc County previously approved an 18-month pause in April, and the city of Madison passed a one-year ban last month. Brown County considered a similar measure but ultimately did not vote on it. Miles emphasized the regional nature of the issue, hoping that cities, villages, and towns with their own zoning authority within Dane County will consider similar steps to ensure all communities benefit from the research into data center development.